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That’s why we’ve put together this list of money-making options for people with some financial knowledge. We want to help you find a way to make some extra cash, and we believe that each one of these methods has potential. So read on and see which one might be right for you.

Use Peer-to-Peer Lending

If you have some extra money that you’re looking to invest, then you should consider Peer-to-Peer lending. While most people are familiar with traditional lending, such as taking out a loan from a bank, not many understand what is p2p lending and how it works. In a nutshell, p2p lending is a way of lending money to people or businesses, rather than a bank or financial institution through an online platform. The process is relatively simple – you simply sign up to a p2p lending site, browse the available listings, and choose to whom you want to lend.

What’s great about p2p lending is that it offers a much higher return than traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Depending on the platform you use, you could see returns of up to 12%! Of course, there is a risk involved – you could lose your money if the borrower defaults on their loan. But if you do your research and choose a reputable platform, then the risk is minimal.

Get Paid To Take Online Surveys

If you’re looking for an easy way to make some extra money, then you should consider getting paid to take online surveys. Many different companies offer this service, and all you need to do is sign up and start taking surveys. Typically, each survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete, and you’ll be rewarded with points that can be redeemed for cash or prizes.

The amount of money you can make depends on many factors, such as the company you’re using and the length of the survey. But if you’re consistent,  then you could easily make a few hundred dollars per month from this side hustle!

Start A Blog

If you’re a good writer and you’re passionate about a particular topic, then starting a blog could be a great way to make some extra cash. There are two main ways to make money from blogging: advertising and affiliate marketing.

Advertising is the most common way to make money from blogging. You simply sign up to an advertising network, such as Google AdSense, and add some code to your blog. Then, when people click on the ads that are displayed on your site, you earn money. The amount of money you can make from advertising depends on several factors, such as the traffic to your site and the cost-per-click of the ads.

Affiliate marketing is another popular way to make money from blogging. Essentially, you promote products or services on your blog, and if people click on your affiliate links and make a purchase, you earn a commission. The commission varies depending on the product or service that you’re promoting, but it can be quite lucrative.

Invest In NFTs

If you’re looking for a more speculative way to make money, then you might want to consider investing in NFTs. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a new type of asset that can be bought, sold, and traded like any other cryptocurrency. However, unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, each NFT is unique and cannot be replaced by another token.

What this means is that NFTs have the potential to be extremely valuable, as they are essentially digital collectables. Several high-profile sales have already taken place, such as the sale of an NFT version of the popular game Crypto Kitties for over $100,000.

Depending on the NFT you invest in, you could see huge returns. However, it’s important to remember that this is a very speculative market, and you could easily lose all of your money if you’re not careful.

Trade Forex

Forex, or foreign exchange, trading is a financial market in which people can trade different currencies. It's one of the most popular ways to make money online because it offers traders high potential profits and allows them to trade 24 hours a day, five days a week.

However, Forex trading is also risky and can result in substantial losses if you don't know what you're doing. So before you start trading, it's important to learn as much as you can about the market and how it works. You need to understand how the Forex market works and what factors can affect currency prices. The best way to ensure success is to practice with a demo account before investing any real money.

As you can see,  there are several different ways to make money if you know a bit about finances. And while some of these methods may be more speculative than others, there’s the potential to make some serious cash if you’re willing to put in the work. So, start exploring some of these options and see how much money you can make.

Please introduce us to asset tracing.

Asset tracing is the process of locating financial assets, property or valuables through formal investigations. Investigators undertake detailed research to determine a subject’s asset profile and whether that profile is sufficient to meet their outstanding debts or potential claims. Asset tracing can spearhead investigations in finding additional evidence such as unknown associates and lifestyles which can lead to a greater understanding of the target’s activities. Once the research has been conducted, the investigators then identify assets and can assist in asset recovery litigation and collections processes.

Whether you are acting in a personal capacity or on behalf of a business, you may require asset tracing services to help you recover unpaid debts or to help satisfy a judgement.

What are the best strategies that you rely on during the process?

As I was trained in specialist electronics my technical background has always meant I look for technical solutions to help resolve modern-day problems.

Successful asset trace investigations use a combination of technology, open- source intelligence (OSINT) and human intelligence (HUMINT) sources.

We have access to bespoke tech tools in addition to global databases and deep web tools, which we use to track/trace and build out the asset puzzles of the targets. We are constantly identifying the lifestyles and behaviours of the individuals we are investigating – whether it’s checking their global movements and identifying foreign property assets or moveable assets such as supercars or yachts.

We start with detailed background intelligence research through online data sources. We examine financial information and digital records, such as emails of the targets. By forensically analysing commercial databases, social media platforms and other sources, we obtain an intelligence map. We thereafter conduct covert field enquiries to help complete the profile.

In certain overseas jurisdictions, information is hard to identify, however, with the correct strategic legal approach and understanding of data protection laws, in many circumstances restricted data can be legally obtained.

Asset tracing can spearhead investigations in finding additional evidence such as unknown associates and lifestyles which can lead to a greater understanding of the target’s activities.

We can then turn intelligence gathered into meaningful information and obtain proof that traced assets are connected to the targets and are ultimately recoverable.

Sometimes, specialist knowledge is required, such as in the case of superyachts, where our industry expertise enables us to identify the location and ownership of such assets and provide recovery, valuation at the current market rate, and sale of such vessels.

What are your top asset tracing tips?

Look for specialist insolvency professionals, lawyers and investigators, who will be able to take you through the process and explain potential pitfalls and likely costs.

Do not use investigators that are happy to break the law to obtain information.

Before instructing your investigators, obtain as much information about the subject as you can – this will assist them when undertaking the asset profile.

Don’t spend a disproportionate amount of money trying to identify assets. You have to be pragmatic and try to take the emotion out of the situation.

Don’t throw good money after bad, if the assets are likely to be in difficult jurisdictions and irrecoverable. No one wants a pyrrhic victory.

Look for the low-hanging fruit, such as assets that are in friendly jurisdictions to the one where the claim or debt has arisen. This may provide litigation funders comfort to fund your case, which you will need if you do not have sufficient money to litigate, or if you would prefer to share the risk with others.

Try to negotiate using the low- hanging fruit identified at an early stage. Once the other side knows that you have knowledge of some of their assets, you should attempt to get them around the table. You may not need to know everything, as they won’t know all of what you know.

If you are not sure, pick up the phone and ask me, I am always happy to give free initial advice.

ABOUT MIKE WRIGHT

As a Consultant at ESA Risk, Mike Wright only does one of nine things for his clients - he specialises in the identification, protection and recovery of people, information and assets. In general terms, this is defined as corporate security, investigations & risk management.

He has over 30 years’ experience of advising clients in leading law firms, financial institutions, and companies on operational and strategic affairs spanning more than 25 countries.

He’s been a Partner in two of the largest independent international insolvency & restructuring companies which are headquartered in the UK.

Mike is a member of the World Association of Detectives, Association of British Investigators, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Fraud Advisory Panel, and the International Compliance Association.

He is currently a UK Ambassador for the World Association of Detectives and a past board member of the Association of British Investigators. He has presented at international events and seminars on corporate fraud investigations.

Mike was the youngest winner of the Association of British Investigators Zena Scott Archer –Investigator of the Year Award. In 2017, he was placed second on Refinitiv’s list of the UK’s top 30 influencers in risk, compliance and regtech and has been recognised by Reuters as one of the top 5 global influencers in Cyber Security.

Before moving into corporate investigations and risk management, Mike served with the British Army where he served in the Far East providing support for the governments in illegal immigration and internal security, and also served in Europe including the anti- terrorism specialist electronics including in the research and development unit.

ABOUT ESA RISK

ESA Risk is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic risk management and business consulting practices in the UK.

Although the brand was born in 2020, its roots go back to the 1930s as an international corporate investigation business.

ESA Risk is a strong collective of expert consultants who specialise in managing business risks, protecting and enhancing clients’ profitability and providing solutions when organisations need specialist assistance.

The firm’s services are designed to help people and businesses manage risk, excel and grow. ESA Risk builds strategic partnerships and adds value to businesses worldwide. Its service offering includes corporate investigations, people and asset tracing, digital forensics, cyber security, enhanced due diligence and business consulting.

 

ESA Risk

W: www.esarisk.com

E: advice@esarisk.com

T: +44 (0)20 7971 7267

There is no shame in taking out a loan and often it is the best solution to a financial challenge, but debt can very quickly spiral out of control and can be a slippery slope if you do not know how to manage your loans. This article will look at a few of the best ways that you can manage your loans to prevent spiralling into debt

1. Get Your Finances In Order

People often default on loans or run into financial difficulties because they are not organised. You need to sit down and go through all of your loans and what interest you are paying so that you can work out exactly what your financial obligations are each month. If you use a pawnbroker, for example, then you need to understand your loan and work out exactly how much you are paying back monthly and for how long.

2. Understand The Contract

You also need to spend time looking through the contract of the loan (you should always do this before signing anything as well). This is so that you can get a stronger understanding of the agreement, including how long it is for and if you are able to clear the debt sooner. This will help you to avoid any nasty surprises and allow you to adjust your household budget so that you can manage during the course of the loan.

3. Keep Up With Payments

It might seem obvious, but many people do not make their payments each month for one reason or another and this is when you start to fall into dangerous territory. It is smart to set up automated payments so that the money will automatically be paid each month, which means that you do not have to remember and complete a manual payment each month - just make sure that you will always have enough money in your account. You should also look into what the implications of paying late are as every lender will have different terms and conditions. If you are ever struggling, you should always let your lenders know as they may be able to restructure the agreement. 

Conclusion

Loans can be a great solution to financial challenges, but they can also lead to even greater financial challenges and debt if you are not careful. The key is to know how to manage your loans so that you can stay on top of payments, adjust your household budget and pay back the loan in full and on time. When you are able to do this, loans can be incredibly useful and a smart solution to financial challenges.

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Finances are a vital part of any business, because without a positive cash flow, it’s difficult to stay afloat. In fact, finances are actually consistently voted the biggest concern for new businesses. Yet, companies that actively track their finances with modern tools report vastly less stress when it comes to money monitoring. Only around 22% of businesses disclose this issue, suggesting that there’s a link between confidence around finances and the active understanding of how they’re fairing.

Financial dashboards are catch-all tech tools that allow for monitoring, analysis, and integration of financial data into one singular platform. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the main reasons that your business should use a financial dashboard, as well as exploring exactly what they are. Let’s get right into it.

What Is A Financial Dashboard?

To put it simply, a financial dashboard is a business intelligence tool that pulls together all of the current statistics about finances within your business into one location. From managing cash flow to following sales figures and more, these dashboards hold all the information you need to get a comprehensive understanding of the financial part of your business with just a glance. Often balancing data visualisation, these aim to make understanding the financials as convenient as possible. They typically link directly to data warehouses, providing live data as new information is received.

Why Should Your Business Invest In Financial Dashboards?

As a central location where all financial data that your business generates can be placed, interacted with, analysed, and understood, financial dashboards are a vital part of creating a successful financial strategy. With 24/7 monitoring and interchangeable metrics, it acts as the architecture for complete financial understanding. Going beyond just analysing the data, there are three central reasons that you should rely on financial dashboards:

Let’s break these down further.

Encourage Interaction And Investigation

Financial reporting is a common practice within any business, with statements typically being divided up into financial quarters. While this provides a location to find important information, the low frequency of these reports means that once one is released, many of the most important metrics are already researched, presented neatly, or explained away.

A 24/7 financial dashboard works to give people access at any time. Due to this, a team member can log into the system, notice something slightly off, and research that metric instantly. Instead of having to wait for quarterly financial summaries, a financial dashboard actively inspires interaction and investigation.

Equally, the fact that these dashboards can typically integrate into a range of cloud data warehouses, you can get continual data in a live format. Without any data lag or barriers, the connection between a data warehouse and a financial system ensures that data is more accessible than ever, inspiring people to dig into the data to a greater extent.

If you’re looking to connect your cloud data warehouse to your financial dashboard, be sure to look at comparisons between leading platforms like Clickhouse vs Druid, as these will give more information on compatibility and integration.

With this system link, users can find anomalies or inconsistencies, fix problems, and find the root causes long before a financial statement is released. This holistic approach to finances through a central dashboard, therefore, boosts longevity, allowing for micro corrections throughout the business year, rather than after each quarterly summary. 

Boosts Accessibility 

Especially when running a larger business, which may have many voices on a singular board that need to come to a decision, it’s difficult to get all the required information out there. However, once a dashboard is incorporated into the business structure, you provide everyone at a C-suite level with a direct way of accessing all the information they need.

From revenue numbers to specific metrics related to certain departments, a financial dashboard allows leaders to rapidly make decisions based on data. Anyone can open your dashboard and move through the measures of success that they’d like to understand further, building up an accurate idea of what is going on behind the curtain.

Centralising this dashboard boosts accessibility, allowing people to log onto the system and trace the information they need at any time. This removes the need for continual financial update meetings, liberating the information by providing around-the-clock access.

Organise Priorities

No matter how vast or all-encompassing your centralised financial dashboard is, someone that’s interacting with these tools can only look at so many things at once. Having one location where all of your company’s financial data arrives ensures that you have a whole lot to look at. But, more than just collecting the data, it forces businesses to take stock of the metrics that are most important to them.

This act of prioritisation when it comes to setting up a financial dashboard can trigger a holistic exercise of looking inwards. By working out what you would like to see on the dashboard, you’re able to work out what is important to your business financially. Understanding these metrics can then help you actively work towards certain goals that you may not have previously considered.

For example, if a central metric that you want to track on your financial dashboard is the amount of total revenue from subscriptions, then you can trace this toward needing to build up your total active subscriber count. Following the money, so to speak, will allow you to organise your priorities, identify goals, and then build toward actually achieving them.

Final Thoughts

While financial dashboards were once considered difficult to construct, the smooth integration into cloud data warehouses has ensured that these platforms are now more popular than ever. By boosting accessibility, a centralised dashboard can help your business make faster decisions, distribute data, and provide a window for inquiry into finances.

Not only does this boost the speed with which financial decisions can be made, but they also act as a central location where investigation can be undertaken. Taking a more hands-on approach to finance through these platforms ensures that if anything is moving in the wrong direction, a solution can be encountered as quickly as possible.

For businesses that want to stay on top of their finance-related metrics, there are few strategies more effective than integrating a financial dashboard. 

The importance of accounting

The reason accounting is important, it is a pivotal aspect of the business that essentially allows it to function. It does this by keeping tabs on the influx of money coming in and out of the business. Tracking income and expenses, and verifying compliance while providing all parties involved with the necessary information to make the correct business decisions.

What type of accounting do new businesses use?

Generally, small businesses can use either cash or accrual accounting methods. A small business accountant is responsible for recording, analysing and reporting the business's financial transactions. The numbers which are collected are converted into an understandable statement for the business owner to decipher.

Tips for choosing an accountant

Working with reliable individuals is paramount to the success of your new business, this is why you need to do the required research to find the perfect fit for you. The following tips should help you find the right accountant. 

1. Make sure you know what you need

When handpicking your accountant, you will have to identify what type of tasks and responsibilities you expect the accountant to perform for your business. Whether that entails bookkeeping tasks, or if you require monthly financial statements to be completed, a bookkeeper can be recruited rather than a start-up accountant.

If you require advice regarding your tax, preparing tax returns, and auditing financials, you will need a certified public accountant (CPA).

2. Look for small business experience

When in search of financial expertise for your new business, steer clear of the big accounting firms, because you will need an accountant which has experience with working with new businesses preferably in the same or similar industry.

The knowledge and expertise they have gathered will be important in helping your business avoid possible mistakes and mishaps they have come across in the past, being proactive and identifying issues before they escalate into larger problems. These decisions essentially fast track the growth of your business by making the right financial decisions.

3. Ask for recommendations

When purchasing a product, consumers often seek out product reviews to get an understanding of the performance of that particular product. Speaking to other trusted business owners and receiving recommendations about who to approach and use, your peers will always give your trustworthy advice as well as recommendations.

4. Compare fees

Before making a decision it is important to make sure how your shortlisted accountant plans to bill you.  Different accountants charge different rates, whether it be a fixed monthly fee to complete all your bookkeeping, but may add an additional fee for completing and submitting compliance documents. The fee for each service varies based on what services are provided and the qualifications of the person providing the services. Not all accountants and accounting firms charge the same fee for their services.

The three most important things your accountant should do

Along with having numeric skills, being computer literate and having business awareness, your accountant will need to complete important tasks for your business. Maintaining major financial reports. Preparing taxes and monitoring payments. Analysing the operations of an organisation’s finances and recommending best practices, identifying problems, and strategising solutions.

Importance of learning and understanding accounting as a business owner

Having an understanding of accounting and being aware of what needs to be done eliminates the risk of your accountant falling behind on their work. Being able to hold them accountable helps maintain their performance. As a new business, the managers are now also able to make future projections and do so by making predictions using accounting practices. In addition to being necessary for a business's immediate financial health, being familiar with accounting is also an important strategic tool to utilise and understand to grow your business.

Conclusion

While not being a straightforward recruitment process, with the help of the tips your search will be simplified if you follow the steps provided.

As stated, accountants play an integral role in your business's success and growth, with the right accountant the sky's the limit. Placing all the responsibility on the accountant though will not ensure your success, you will be required to bring your end of the bargain by providing a suitable environment for your business to succeed.

Unfortunately, when talking about investing, you also have the potential of losing a decent amount of money. Some have even had to file bankruptcy to cover the cost of their losses. That is why it is so important to know what you are getting into, and that you are prepared and educated.

Finances

The first, and most important, step is to sit down and go through your finances. You need to have a few things in order before moving forward with your investing plans. First of all, if you have any debt, you should pay it off first. That means any back debt, such as student loans or bank loans. No need to include monthly expenses because that will be in your budget, which is next. If everything is budgeted in, and you have some money left over, you need to consider one more thing. It is suggested that you have a savings account big enough to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses, “just in case.” If everything is in order, and everything is covered, feel free to go to the next step.

Approach

You will need to decide how you are planning to invest. You need to analyse yourself and truthfully answer a few questions. Are you educated enough to make your own investments? Do you have the time to monitor your investments and keep them positive? Do you enjoy crunching numbers? Do you like completing research every day? Now you need to decide if you are going to do everything by yourself, if you plan to hire someone, or if you plan to use an online platform that will do most of the work for you.

Education

No matter what direction you plan to take, you need to understand the lingo. That means that you need to look over a glossary of terms and keep it saved. There are basic terms that everyone in the business will use, so you need to be able to understand them if you want to be able to make an informed decision.

Decision

You need to decide how risky you want to be. You must remember that the higher the risk that you take, the more money you can make. But it means that you have a higher chance of losing some big money. It all comes down to you, so you need to decide how you want to approach it. The best thing that you can do would be to take a medium risk stance. You will not profit as much, but if you do end up losing it will not be the end of your world.

Scams

Be careful of who you choose to deal with, and to whom you give your investment money or information to. As with anything else that deals with finances, people will target others that are unaware of how they do things. “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” That is an old saying, but one that is full of truth.

Final Thoughts

The best thing that you can do before investing, and after you have some money in the pot, is research. If in doubt do not invest in it. If you are using an online platform or going through a professional investment financer, you will still want to keep track of your interests. You truly never know what can happen, so stay educated and make informed decisions.

Getting To College

Of course, you can only experience these advantages if you can afford the cost of college. Early planning can help ensure you can make the most of your time in school. You could consider getting a job while in school to help cover the cost. And private student loans can cover the portion you are not able to afford. You can take out private student loans without a cosigner. If you are thinking of going this route, you can review a guide on how the process works.

Higher Earnings Over Your Lifetime

You can expect to earn more than someone who only has a high school diploma since many professional-type employers are looking for those who have a college degree. And getting a master’s degree can help you earn even more. Certain industries will require a master’s while others will simply pay you more to have one. While an MBA can advance your career in corporate finance, that sector does not require that you have one. Still, you don’t have to get multiple degrees to see the advantages. Even if you only get your associate’s degree, you can expect to earn more. Of course, your chosen field can determine your final earnings. 

Benefiting From More Resources

When you go to college, you can use the career centre to help you connect with jobs in your field. And many schools offer internship programs to help you gain experience so you can land a better position after graduation. You can use your school’s relationships and connections with potential employers to help you well after graduation. Many colleges offer an alumni network, which you can use when you are looking for a new position. This can help you even decades after you have graduated.

Indirect Benefits

Of course, the advantage many people think of is a better paying job. However, there are plenty of other indirect benefits. For example, if you get a better job after graduation, you might end up with a better credit score. That's because more money coming in allows you to better meet various financial obligations, such as paying off debt or your bills.

When you have more cash flow coming in, it is easier to avoid late bill payments or having your debt go into collections. Plus, you will be better able to save money, and having an emergency fund can help you avoid having to borrow in the first place. Just remember that having money doesn’t guarantee that you will manage it well in the first place. It is simply a good starting point, and what you do with your money is almost just as important. Of course, your salary is just one part of what you earn at a job. Many of the better jobs that require degrees also offer benefits, such as good health insurance, childcare money, retirement contributions, and other things that can help you be more financially well-off.

1. Consider Your Finances

Most people can get a home loan from most lenders as long as you provide at least a 5% deposit from the house’s price. In general, though, you want to have at least a 20% deposit since the deposit amount impacts your loan-to-value ratio (LVR). From a lender’s perspective, LVR makes up your risk as a borrower and your borrowing power. 

Other than the upfront costs of buying a home, you also need to make sure you can pay your mortgage loan repayment. Thus, it’s important to evaluate your finances before you invest in a property. Do you have enough cash to make a down payment or can you afford to take on the cost of repaying your mortgage? You’ll also want to keep an eye on the interest rates. The impact of your mortgage interest rates will depend on the type of loan you get.

For instance, if you choose a floating-range mortgage, the size of your monthly payments could fluctuate alongside the interest rates. Meanwhile, a fixed-rate mortgage means your rate is locked in, regardless of which direction the interest rates move. Any small differences in your mortgage interest rate can add up quickly, which might cause you to spend too much or save a lot.

Make sure to check for mortgage rates in the area. If you’re looking for a house in New Zealand, then you can compare NZ rates here. Lastly, it’s better to talk to a home loan specialist or your lender about your options and help you find out how much you can borrow. 

2. Check The Market

Depending on current economic situations and other factors, the real estate market can move either to the seller’s or buyer’s favour. A buyer’s market means that there are more houses for sale than buyers. A seller’s market, on the other hand, occurs when fewer homes are on the market than buyers. 

These market conditions can determine how much room you have when making an offer. Talk to a real estate agent who can help you understand the real estate market in your area and how it’s currently affecting buyers. 

3. Think About The Location

Couple stood outside new home

Whether you’re moving to a different country or staying in the same neighbourhood, you need to research before spending your hard-earned money. 

Most people want a home close to school, a shopping district, or their workplace. Consider if you’ll have easy access to the main roads and check for traffic flow. Some people want proximity to the city, while others prefer a more peaceful, suburban life. The location also has an impact on the price of a house. For instance, houses in city areas tend to be more expensive than those in the suburbs. Most locations have their own unique advantage. So, make sure to research what suits your needs or budget before deciding which property to settle in. 

4. What Are Your Lifestyle Needs?

Your lifestyle can also help in determining the kind of house you want and can afford. Do you need extra space for accommodating an elderly relative who can’t live alone? Is there a new baby on the way? Do you love to cook? Then you might need a home with a larger kitchen. Meanwhile, getting a home with a bigger backyard can satisfy your habit of planting your own food or accommodating your pets.

In addition, your lifestyle can also impact your budget and mortgage payments. Do you need to take a weekend getaway every month? Do you have a gym membership or maybe working out with a personal trainer? Do you love collectible items? 

In general, you need to give yourself a little financial room by subtracting the cost of your expensive activity or hobby from the payment you calculated. If the balance is not enough to buy the house of your dreams, then you need to cut back a bit or start thinking of getting a more affordable home. 

Endnote

If done right, buying a house can be both a good investment and a smart purchase. It is a contradicting experience of stress and excitement. As a result, it’s important that you keep in mind the above factors before closing a deal on a new house.

Annie Button, professional content writer and branding aficionado, discusses the key factors to consider when deciding  whether you're financially secure enough to retire. 

However, before you hand in your notice for the final time and embark on a life of volunteering, travelling, charity working, fishing or whatever you envisage yourself doing, it's important to weigh up whether now is a good time to retire or not. Choosing to retire is a big decision, after all, and it is one in which many workers are actually a little scared of making. This is largely due to the horror stories that many people will have heard about those who retired too soon, resulting in a combination of financial, income and lifestyle restrictions as a result. What's more, with the coronavirus pandemic adding another layer of uncertainty to the world's economics, the decision-making process has become even more complex for pre-retirees weighing up whether now is the right time or not. So, with this in mind, we thought we’d try and address one of the key questions many people ask when deciding when to retire: how do you know if you’re financially secure enough? Join us as we discuss how you can work this out for yourself.

Think about your bills, bills, bills

To determine your financial stability, your first port of call should be to look at your incomings, outgoings and bills, bills, bills. If you still have mortgage repayments to make, for example, ask yourself how you will be able to fund them during your retirement. Would it make more sense to pay off your mortgage up-front before you retire, freeing up a lot more money for your post-retirement plans? Or will you still be unable to for a few years yet?

 You will also need to consider the other utilities costs as well. While you should see your commuting costs come down during your retirement, spending longer at home could increase your gas, electric and entertainment bills significantly. Therefore, weigh up whether your pension pot will be able to cover these costs.

 Weigh up what you want

 It’s all well and good making the decision to retire but it’s imperative you don’t underestimate what that will actually involve. The amount of money you need will largely depend on how you foresee your retirement going. If, for example, you fancy travelling the world in your newfound downtime, that will cost a lot more than simply spending more time in your home and garden.

 As such, it’s important to follow the three tips listed below:

 1. Know what you have. Put simply, you need to understand what exactly your pension can do for you when you retire, especially when accessing it under the updated Pension Freedoms Rules. Only you will be able to determine whether what you have available is enough to support the retirement lifestyle you want to lead. 

2. Know what you want. Along a similar theme, while you don't need to explicitly decide what you want to do in your retirement in advance, it will certainly help when it comes to addressing doubts over your post-retirement financial security.

3. Know how long to plan for. Almost 80% of people aged over fifty underestimate their life expectancy. As such, it's important to think realistically about how long your retirement is likely to be and how long you'll need to keep your pension running.

Think about your family

 If you have children, answering questions about your financial security when retiring could depend a lot on them and their circumstances. If, for example, you have aspirations to help fund the home purchases of your children or grandchildren, it’s important to include these when deciding whether to retire or not. While taking out an equity release mortgage can help during these moments, if your pension income is unable to cover the repayments you’ll need to make for releasing equity on your home, you may be unable to help in the way you’d like. Therefore, be realistic about what you think you will – or won’t – be able to afford to help your family out with after you’ve retired.

Final thoughts…

Deciding when to retire is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and is certainly one you don’t want to rush. However, taking the time to make sure you are financially secure to retire should provide you with the reassurance you need to make the best decision for your future.

This is a key component in understanding debt and its potential impact on your life. For your convenience, we’ve put together a short list of things you can do to disaster-proof your finances. 

1. Make Sure You’re Properly Insured

There are a few types of insurance that help disaster-proof your finances. The first is one we don’t like to think about: life insurance. It’s more for the family members that you leave behind than for you personally, but you should have it, especially as you start a family of your own. Protect your loved ones from the crushing debt that often comes after a major household earner passes away. Other insurances you should include are medical insurance and homeowners’ insurance if applicable. If you’re getting on in years, you might also want to consider long-term care insurance to cover nursing homes or LTC facilities. These are all areas where unexpected expenses can run several thousand dollars, so it’s worth paying the premiums.  

2. Create A Budget So You Know What Your Expenses Are

Spending money without knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend is a surefire path to financial devastation. Spending a few hours creating a budget can prevent this. Make a list of all your expenses, even the small and infrequent ones. Compare that to how much income you have coming in. The remainder is what you have left over to work with. (You can eliminate unnecessary expenses if you’d like to have more flexibility for emergencies, savings, or paying off debt.) As part of this process, put together a savings plan. It’s prudent to have an emergency account that you can draw off when life throws you curveballs. It’s also a good idea to start an investment portfolio and a retirement savings account. These give you an added security blanket and can help ensure financial stability in your golden years.  

3. Avoid “Get Rich Quick” Schemes

Hitting the lottery is not a financial plan. Play if you like, but don’t count on winning that big jackpot to cover your living expenses. Life generally doesn’t work that way. Disaster-proofing your finances requires hard work, not a random game of chance. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play, just make sure lotto tickets are in your budget. This same principle applies to “business” opportunities that look like get rich quick schemes. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Carefully review any business venture and make sure income estimates are realistic. Don’t be that person who fails because you believed the hype about something you saw on the internet.

4. Don’t Buy What You Can’t Afford

This is the simplest suggestion on this list and maybe the most difficult to implement. We all want that bigger house or nicer car. The question is, “can you afford it?” Just because the bank will approve you for the loan or mortgage doesn’t mean you should follow through with it. Taking on too much debt can make your finances unmanageable. 

Life is full of surprises. Some of them are pleasant and others can cause financial disaster. It’s best to be prepared for anything, and the suggestions above should help you do just that. 

About the author: Kevin Flynn is a former fintech coach and financial services professional. When not on the golf course, he can be found travelling with his wife or spending time with their eight wonderful grandchildren and two cats. 

Find A Part-time Job

To earn more money, many students start working during their studies. Combining full-time employment with learning isn’t a possibility for most students, but freelance and part-time jobs could be an excellent solution. However, even working a part-time job alongside your studies can impact your academic performance. If you find yourself struggling to complete academic assignments, you may want to consider finding a trustworthy essays order service and pay for essay in a couple of taps. This simple trick will help you get your papers done before the deadline. Moreover, you will have more free time for working and hobbies. As a result, you will get an opportunity to earn more. 

Garage Sale 

If you need to boost your funds quickly, then arranging a garage sale could be a good option. Most of us have tons of things that we no longer use and might as well sell them for cash instead of keeping our cupboards cluttered. Selling items you no longer can significantly help to boost your budget.

Cut Your Expenses 

How many times per week do you usually visit clubs and restaurants? If you’re short on money, it’s time to cut your expenses. However, you don’t have to miss out on the fun completely. Next time you’re out clubbing, for example, buy just one drink instead of two or three. Instead of saying no to nights out completely simply set yourself spending limits and don’t feel pressured into spending more than what you’ve allowed. Excessive partying is an all-too-quick way to see an empty bank account. 

Set Limits For Buying Apps and Games 

Making online payments when playing games is a common thing for any student. Many students make plenty of purchases to improve their gaming performance and win more often. However, if you feel you don’t have enough money to cover your needs, it’s time to set limits. Only allow yourself to spend a certain amount each month. If it helps, write your limit down on a sheet of paper as a reminder to yourself. 

Buy Used Books 

Buying books brand new can be incredibly expensive. Second-hand books can be bought for a fraction of the price and assist your learning just as well as glossy new ones. 

Use Loans Wisely 

Many people believe that loans and credit cards lead to excessive debt, especially for students who often aren’t familiar with the full dangers of having too many loans. The best solution is to avoid taking out any loans unless you need the money for something really important. In this case, it is better to choose bank loans with a minimum interest rate. Shop around for the best deal by comparing various interest rates, and don’t be too hasty when signing on the dotted line. 

Look For Financial Aid 

Many government and financial organisations, as well as colleges and universities, offer financial aid to different categories of students. These are grants, scholarships, and other solutions that might cover a significant part of your expenses related to learning. For example, some institutions offer help with buying books or will consider reducing your tuition fees. Don’t hesitate to participate in different scholarship programmes and look for grants from non-profitable organisations in your local area. 

Organise Your Expenses 

Planning and managing your monthly expenses is a key solution to getting your spending under control. Try to write down and monitor each of your expenses and split them into several categories to understand what you are mostly spending money on. This way, you will be able to cut some of your outlay and save money. 

Saving money and improving your financial situation when studying at college is easier than you might think. Try to organise your expenses, avoid unnecessary loans, look for financial aid, buy used items, and limit your spending on partying and going to cafes and restaurants. Moreover, having a part-time job will also allow you to get more money to meet all your individual needs. 

Not all entrepreneurs are good with numbers and keeping records, which is why it’s so crucial that they have a solid plan in place for money matters. Whether you’re thinking of starting a small business or want to improve the way you handle your books, these tips can help you to achieve more control over your financial situation.

Accounting Software

If you’re still using spreadsheets to keep track of your finances, it might be time to invest in accounting software. This will help you to keep all your records secure while maintaining accurate information. There’s less room for human error thanks to the software’s ability to make calculations for you and you’ll never misplace an invoice or receipt again. What’s more, many types of accounting software will also help you to handle payroll and have better visibility over your cash flow.

Invest Your Money

When starting out it can be tempting to hold onto your money tightly, but this can often do your business more harm than good. While you need to be making a profit, it’s important that you reinvest your money in your business. This is crucial for future growth and will help you to increase your profits in the long term. Whether you’re thinking of hiring a marketing agency, upgrading your website or building an app, take some time to improve the services you’re offering to your customers to see your revenue increase.

Be Aware Of Tax

Everyone knows they have to pay tax, but are you planning for it throughout the year? Many business owners only start thinking about tax as their deadline approaches, but this can put you in a tricky financial situation if your payment is bigger than you expected. Make sure you’re calculating tax as you go and setting aside funds that you know aren’t really yours. This way you can avoid any disasters at the end of the tax year that could potentially see your business folding before it’s even had a chance to grow.

Choose Loans Carefully

People have different attitudes to loans, with some refusing them completely and others taking out too many. Loans aren’t all bad but you do have to choose them carefully. If you need an injection of cash to get your business off the ground, a loan could be well worth your time. But taking out loans with high interest rates could hurt you in the long run, especially if you’re not investing the money as wisely as you should.

Insurance

Finally, insurance might be an extra expense in the short term, but it can save you thousands further down the line. Make sure you thoroughly research the types of insurance your business can benefit from to give yourself complete coverage. You want to be fully protected from potential lawsuits as well as natural disasters like floods and fires. 

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